A Wedding Videographer’s Perspective On The Best Wedding Venues Around Ballarat
Ah Ballarat… my favourite home away from home. I was introduced to this gorgeous part of Victoria when my mother moved to the charming country town of Daylesford and every visit would feel like a weekend retreat. It became tradition to drive out in search of a good pub or winery with a good view and a reasonably-priced parma, and I’d eventually return years later as a wedding videographer to some of my favourite spots.
Although I get excited whenever I’m invited to film a wedding anywhere in the Ballarat region, there a few venues I believe have all the ingredients needed for a memorable and classic wedding film.
WILLOW AND STONE ESTATE, BALLARAT
Videographer For Weddings Across Ballarat - Jamie Ross
Choosing the perfect rural venue in the Ballarat region is one thing, but convincing your guests to make the long journey there is another. It’s a compromise that couples are used to making between convenience and seclusion. However Willow and Stone Estate are the exception; located only 3kms from Ballarat’s city centre but delivers the same extreme privacy you’d usually get being 300kms away. Sweeping outdoor lawns and lush gardens makes it the perfect place to host an outdoor wedding from the ceremony through to the reception. Being outdoors also means that it’s not necessary to add in much of your own decor as nature has already done the hard work for you!
My style of videography favours a wedding at the Willow and Stone Estate in many ways. Weddings at the estate are traditionally more casual than most which works hand in hand with my candid style of wedding videography. There’s something about being outside in the fresh air that allows guests to relax and actually soak in the atmosphere. And this in turn allows me to stand back and capture genuine interactions and moments.
PALAIS HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS
Ballarat Wedding Videography By Jamie Ross
Perhaps the outdoor vibe isn’t for you? Maybe you can’t stand the thought of rain ruining your wedding day or maybe you’re just a ginger like me who needs constant shade. Whatever the reason, anyone looking for a classy indoor venue should not look past the Palais Hepburn. Only 40 minutes from Ballarat, this unique 1920s dance hall is so rich with character and is a delight for the senses. Traditionally a cocktail bar and theatre, this iconic venue transitions perfectly into a wedding venue that offers an amazing entertainment experience with a side serve of indulgence.
As a wedding videographer, I often avoid indoor couple shoots due to the undesirable artificial lighting and monotonous styling. The opposite is true at the Palais Hepburn. Moody lighting, warm textures and sophisticated furnishings make you feel like you’ve walked onto a 1920s filmset. I’ll admit it’s a unique look for photos and videography, but one that I believe is classic and timeless. It’s also worth mentioning that the Palais Hepburn is walking distance from Hepburn bridge and gully for a healthy share of stunning outdoor wedding videography.
BANYANDAH HOMESTEAD, WATTLE FLAT
Drone Wedding Videography Footage by Jamie Ross
In the interest of variety, I’ve chosen a boutique venue for couples who want complete flexibility in how they style and decorate their wedding day. Banyandah Homestead is a private property of extreme beauty; located 15 minutes north of Ballarat. It encapsulates everything you could want in a venue for your special day; rolling hills, a magnificent private lake, intimate homestead and ultimate privacy all wound together in country simplicity.
For a wedding videographer, this is one of those venues where drone footage is a must. Although each section within the property is stunning in its own right, you’re only able to grasp its true collective beauty from above. Your location shoot is sure to include many breathtaking landscape shots - the kind that you’ll be tempted to print obnoxiously large and display in the lounge room.
Looking for a wedding videographer in the Ballarat area?
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in the Ballarat area and are interested in wedding videography please just get in touch to find out more.
